Podcasts about innovative agency

I am thrilled to welcome our guest expert, Sharon Toerek, back to this episode of Sell With Authority. It's her fourth time appearing on the show with us, but for those who are meeting her for the first time, she's the Founder of Toerek Law and the host of the podcast “The Innovative Agency”. Sharon is also Predictive's wicked smart intellectual property attorney and has reviewed and advised us with our client agreements and created our buy-sell and partnership agreements. She has been helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative services industries protect and monetize their intellectual capital, and manage the legal implications of their marketing and advertising work. Many of us have faced the dilemma of wanting to have certain crucial conversations with our clients — but not knowing how to approach them without causing friction or damage to the relationship. On this episode, Sharon and I focus our discussion on how to ensure you get paid by having the right conversations with your clients at the right times. And — we discuss how to start relationships with clients on the right foot from the very beginning. Ensure that you and your agency get paid for your hard work. Sharon's expertise provides the tools and confidence to have these essential conversations with your clients. A big dose of gratitude to our presenting sponsor for the podcast, Conduit Digital. By using their expertise in streamlining, upgrading & scaling your clients…they promise to reduce your risk so you can become the best digital agency in your market in 30-days. You can find Conduit and all their helpful insights and smarts here. What you will learn in this episode: Smart ways to set up payment terms with clients so we're aligned right from the start Crucial elements of an effective payment agreement Strategies for setting assertive negotiation tones with clients to establish professionalism and confidence Steps to address payment delays Pros and cons of different payment structures How to attend Sharon's next virtual free Q&A session Resources: Website: legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek The Innovative Agency Podcast Get Your Money – Legal Strategies that Get Agencies Paid Q&A Episode 52 of Sell With Authority: How to Protect Intellectual Property, with Sharon Toerek Episode 59 of Sell With Authority: AI Copyright Law, with Sharon Toerek Episode 99 of Sell With Authority: Building Profitable Agency-to-Agency Alliances, with Sharon Toerek Additional Resources: Website: www.predictiveroi.com Visit our newly expanded Resource Library Join us in our free How to Fill Your Sales Pipeline Facebook Group  

I am thrilled to welcome our guest expert, Sharon Toerek, back to this episode of Sell With Authority. It's her third time appearing on the show with us, but for those who are meeting her for the first time, she's the Founder of Toerek Law and the host of the podcast “The Innovative Agency”. Sharon is also Predictive's wicked smart intellectual property attorney and has reviewed and advised us with our client agreements and created our buy-sell and partnership agreements. She has been helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative services industries protect and monetize their intellectual capital, and manage the legal implications of their marketing and advertising work. On this episode, Sharon and I focus our discussion on agency-to-agency collaborations. We delve into how to manage risk — and the key documents to have in place when agencies go down the collaboration route to save time, stress, and money. In our conversation, we go through the steps agencies should take before diving into an agency-to-agency strategic alliance. Sharon emphasizes the importance of creating agreements for each stage of the collaboration between agencies. We also discuss her recommendations on an ideal timeline to establish such contracts so agencies don't put the cart before the horse. Applying what Sharon gives you during this episode will help you grow your agency in 2024 — and — protect your shop along the way. What you will learn in this episode: Defining what is a strategic alliance and understanding its three kinds Establishing the similarities and differences between agreements between contractors or freelancers and agreements between agencies Understanding the ins and outs of white-labeling, especially when dealing with licenses Steps to take from a contract perspective before diving into a strategic alliance The importance of an umbrella document for every referral an agency receives The ideal timeline for drafting agreements Resources: Website: legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek The Innovative Agency Podcast Yours, Mine and Ours: Legal Considerations in Agency-to-Agency Strategic Alliances Q&A Session Episode 52 of Sell With Authority: How to Protect Intellectual Property, with Sharon Toerek Episode 59 of Sell With Authority: AI Copyright Law, with Sharon Toerek Additional Resources: Website: www.predictiveroi.com Visit our newly expanded Resource Library Join us in our free How to Fill Your Sales Pipeline Facebook Group

Sharon Toerek is Founder of Toerek Law, where she leads her national law practice on helping advertising, marketing and creative services professionals protect and monetize their intellectual capital and manage the legal implications of their marketing and advertising work. Sharon provides proactive, strategic counsel to communications, marketing, advertising and creative agencies on legal and business issues they face continually in their work, including: -agency-client relationships, including agency service contracts -agency-freelancer relationship management -trademark and brand protection matters -influence marketing, social media and content marketing legal compliance -copyright protection, licensing and transfer of creative content -advertising law Sharon is an approved participant on the 4A's Legal Consultants Panel, and a Past President of the American Ad Federation (AAF) Cleveland. Sharon is also the Publisher of the marketing industry legal blog Legal + Creative. Sharon created the Legal + Creative Agency Protection System, a comprehensive legal education resource and toolkit for marketing, ad and creative services agencies. She is also the creator and host of The Innovative Agency, a podcast about innovation and trends in the marketing agency world. What you will learn in this episode: Why you need professional legal (and accounting) support so you can put your full focus on running a good service business What you can learn about a potential client during the negotiation process The 3Ds – creating a strong statement of work around your Dollars, Deadlines, and Deliverables How to approach the topic of AI in your contracts and discussions Why clarity at the beginning of a relationship is so vital to success Resources: Website: legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek The Innovative Agency Podcast www.agencylegalprotection.com kayla@legalandcreative.com sharon@legalandcreative.com  

I am so excited to welcome back Sharon Toerek to the Sell With Authority podcast. If you're meeting Sharon for the first time — she's the Principal of Toerek Law and the host of the rock solid awesome podcast, The Innovative Agency. And in full transparency — Sharon is Predictive's wicked smart intellectual property attorney. Over the years — she has brilliantly helped us protect our intellectual property so that as it evolved and morphed into revenue streams — we were ready. In Episode 52 of Sell With Authority, Sharon broke down how to protect your intellectual property and turn it into revenue streams. Today, Sharon is back for an encore episode where we will explore the legal implications of using AI to create content for client projects. We discuss copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property rights and consider several questions that arise when using AI-generated content. Sharon brings her expertise on how to approach AI in the workplace Her advice will help agencies navigate the challenges surrounding AI and protect their intellectual property. What you will learn in this episode: Are there legal implications to using AI to create content as part of a client project Who owns the content generated by AI Questions agencies should consider regarding copyright, trademark, and IP rights What happens when AI-generated content is modified by an agency as it relates to intellectual property rights How can clients be assured that the content, campaigns, or brand they have as a result of working with an agency is truly theirs Resources: Website: legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek The Innovative Agency Podcast Sell With Authority Podcast: Episode 52

How to Protect Intellectual Property If you're meeting Sharon Toerek for the first time — she's the founder of Legal and Creative and the host of the rock solid awesome podcast, The Innovative Agency, and an expert in how to protect intellectual property. And in full transparency — she is Predictive's wicked smart intellectual property attorney, and she has brilliantly helped us navigate how to protect our intellectual property and turn that IP into income.  For example — back in May 2015 — my team and I had the idea to launch a daily podcast called Onward Nation. We hoped hosting a daily podcast with amazing and super-smart guests could be a good business development strategy.  But — our first step wasn't to begin recording episodes or building out PredictiveROI.com with helpful content. Nope. Our first step — or, more accurately — my first call — was to Sharon. Why? Because if Onward Nation as a podcast went on to be successful — we knew that having Sharon's expertise involved at the onset would help us maximize any revenue opportunities that spun out of the show and ensure that any IP created — intentionally or accidentally along the way — was protected. The result? Onward Nation attracted listeners in 141 countries and quickly became a top-rated show on Apple Podcasts. I was also approached and offered a contract to write a book about everything we knew about podcasting, which became the bestseller “Profitable Podcasting” and sold more than 10,000 copies worldwide. Okay — full transparency moment here — from a revenue perspective — Onward Nation also drove over $4 million in new revenue into Predictive because it opened the door to new clients as a result of the Trojan Horse of Sales Strategy you may have seen or heard my team and I teach.  But here's the reality — none of these result outcomes would have been possible without Sharon's smarts around protecting intellectual property — and then leveraging it into new revenue streams. Okay — I hope what I just shared gives you 4 million reasons why this episode might provide you with the insights, tips, and recommendations you need to build brand-new revenue streams while learning how to protect intellectual property in the process. Sharon has had a front-row seat to the creativity of many agencies and will share her insights on how the right systems and strategies built around the knowledge and assets you already have can create new revenue streams to help you scale.  I promise you — applying what Sharon maps out during this episode will help you protect your intellectual property — and then — give you some ideas on how to monetize your IP so it turns into a profitable revenue stream.   Okay — here's what you'll learn from this episode about how to protect intellectual property: How to protect intellectual property begins with understanding the IP Triangle Framework of: 1) brand, 2) content, and 3) transactions How you're likely already sitting on intellectual property inside your agency and uncovering it can act as a driver of demand for your main service lines How conducting some old-fashioned market research can help uncover options for generating license fees, productizing some assets into an offering, or other revenue opportunities Why protecting your revenue streams through copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, licensing agreements, or other forms is critically important Why thinking strategically about how to protect intellectual property and how it fits into the overall business strategy is essential for your business's short- and long-term success and potentially opens up options for your personal wealth Resources: Website: legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek The Innovative Agency Podcast Additional Free Resources: Subscribe to our new “Sell with Authority” podcast. Learn how to attract a steady stream of well-prepared prospects into your sales pipeline and convert them into right-fit clients. Everything you need to move further faster is shared in full transparency. Go here for all the episodes. Order your free copy of “Sell with Authority” in paperback or Kindle. Honest — no hoops to jump through. All you need to do is go here and enter your mailing address. No credit card for shipping. Nothing. Join our free “How to Fill Your Sales Pipeline” Facebook Group. Over 1,000 agency owners and strategic consultants just like you are looking to move further faster by sharing best practices and what's working for them. But — as Susan Baier recently said, “It's not about the numbers, it's about the SMARTS contributed to this wonderful, generous community!” Go here for details.

Summary Laurie Mikes, chief operating officer of Second Wind, an advocacy and resource organization for small- and mid-sized agencies, joins the discussion on attracting, retaining and developing talent post-pandemic. Set your agency up for success by honing in on your greatest asset — your people. Intro As an agency owner, your people are your greatest asset. But challenges around staffing are keeping many leaders up at night. For this episode of the Innovative Agency, we're diving into what you can do to attract, retain and develop talent in order to put your business on the right path. What You Will Learn in This Episode The silver lining of lean agency teams How to find balance in salary disparity between new hires and legacy employees How to structure job growth and advancement Why transparency is key for agency owners How to think about remote working options to retain employees Where agencies are having success finding candidates Bio Laurie Mikes has been with Second Wind since 1996 and currently acts as Chief Operating Officer. She oversees the daily operations of the business while keeping one finger on the pulse of the industry. Laurie is deeply involved with member agencies, emailing and speaking with them on a regular basis. Whether it's providing guidance about financial matters, agency growth or operations, her years of experience bring valuable insight and perspective to agencies looking to build a successful sustainable business. When not at work, Laurie can be found enjoying outdoor activities with her two sons, volunteering her time at school and renovating old properties around town with her husband. Resources Website: https://www.secondwindonline.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-mikes-9366111/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/second-wind/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/secondwindonline

Summary Manish Dudharejia, founder and CEO of E2M Solutions, joins the discussion to lay the groundwork on what a successful white label partnership looks like, including the importance ethics plays in client relationships. Set yourself up for success in 2023 business-wise and with a white label partner. Intro We've been focusing a lot on collaboration lately, and in this episode of the Innovative Agency, we're discussing how to have a successful white label partnership. As we look ahead to 2023, investing in this type of relationship can make all the difference in setting yourself up for success in the New Year and beyond. What You Will Learn in This Episode What ethics mean in the marketing world and why it matters Why focusing on niching can leave room for more lucrative opportunities Quick tips for agency leaders who want more successful white label partnerships Why the No. 1 challenge agencies have is a margin problem What agency owners can do to set themselves up for success in 2023 Bio Manish Dudharejia is wizard of E2M. He has over 15 years of experience in digital agency space, working closely with lots of different people associated with technology, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing. E2M helps digital agencies solve bandwidth problems with their strategic white label services. They have a team of over 150+ vetted experts in WordPress, Shopify, BigCommerce, SEO, copywriting and more. E2M is currently helping over 150 agencies across the US and other parts of the world grow and scale their agency businesses with piece of mind. Manish is responsible for their overall company operations, sustainable strategic growth, team mentoring and retention, and so much more. Resources Website: https://www.e2msolutions.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/e2m-solutions/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishdudharejia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/E2MSolutions Twitter: https://twitter.com/e2msolutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e2msolutions/

Summary Ryan Watson, a partner at Upsourced Accounting, joins the discussion to highlight how financial forecasting before a crisis can actually help you avoid one. Understanding which metrics are important – and which ones are distracting – can help agency owners avoid the overwhelm and achieve forward momentum and progress. Intro In this episode of the Innovative Agency, we are looking ahead to 2023. If you're like most agency owners, you have probably been planning for the new year and thinking a lot about metrics, numbers, money, and how to improve your profitability. As talks about a possible recession heat up, many have been wondering how they can prepare for tomorrow, today. What You Will Learn in This Episode How forecasting, strategic planning, and KPI reviews can help you plan for the next 1, 3, or 5 years Why being financially responsible every day will set you up for success regardless of the economy The challenges many agency owners face when getting their finances in order What the “Million-Dollar Moment” is, and how that shifts an agency's mindset around finances The “Hierarchy of Needs,” and the questions you should be asking to assess the financial health of your agency How to overcome overwhelm by focusing on the metrics that are relevant and deciding which ones are distracting Bio Ryan Watson is an experienced operations and finance leader for creative agencies and venture-funded startups. By day, he is a partner at Upsourced. Ryan helps scaling creative agencies see the future and drive profits. By night, he runs a tech startup and helps other startup founders avoid some of the mistakes he made in his career. Previously, Ryan served as COO and CFO of Ahalogy, a venture funded influencer marketing agency, which exited to Quotient Technology, Inc (NYSE: QUOT) in June 2018. Prior to Ahalogy, he cut his teeth at Sqrl - a SaaS product incubated out of Upsourced that automated document collection for service firms. Sqrl received an Entrepreneur of the Year EDGE Award from Ernst & Young and 'Outstanding Emerging Innovation' honors from the Cincinnati Business Courier. Resources Websites:https://ryankwatson.com/ https://upsourcedaccounting.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankeithwatson/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/upsourced-accounting/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upsourcedaccounting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Upsourced?s=20&t=x1hKhOkI_oA2Z3Lhsyc_Bg Recession diagnostic:https://upsourced.typeform.com/to/DhjP6oh8 Recession Guide: https://hubs.ly/Q01rFvjq0

Intro The most valuable thing you have within your agency's inventory is the intellectual property you create. With the right strategy — your team could turn your IP into a standalone revenue stream(s). Agencies are creators — and because of that — agencies are IP generators every single day. In my opinion, agencies often overlook this because their business model tends to focus on monetizing the production — doing the stuff. But — I believe agencies can flip that script because the ideas and the way they get expressed in the strategies you develop for clients, the brands and campaigns you build — or whatever it might be — that's where the real money could be for the agency. If you're looking for new ways to think about profitable revenue streams for your agency in 2023 and beyond — then this is the episode you don't want to miss. I break down what I call the “IP Triangle” so you can take and apply all the steps to make going from IP to Income in 2023 possible. What you will learn in this episode: Why more than 50 percent of all agencies overlook the value and potential revenue streams their IP could represent How to use the “IP Triangle” to inventory the intellectual property that you most likely already have inside your agency How to harness all of the “gold dust” that's being scattered around every day within the walls of your agency and turn it into a highly profitable revenue stream How to protect your portfolio of trademarks, taglines, product and system names, etc How the value of your IP directly impacts the valuation of your agency Bio Sharon Toerek is Principal of Toerek Law, where she focuses her law practice on helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative industries monetize their intellectual capital and manage the legal risks of their work. Sharon provides proactive, strategic counsel to marketing agencies on legal issues they continually face in their work, including agency-brand contracts, social media, content marketing legal compliance, and trademark and copyright protection. Sharon also created the Legal + Creative Agency Protection System, a subscription-based legal toolkit for marketing agencies. In 2018, Sharon launched The Innovative Agency, a podcast on innovation for marketing agency leaders. Resources: Website:https://www.legalandcreative.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/SharonToerek 

Intro As an agency owner, you certainly collect data — but are you leveraging that data to fully empower your agency? Even if your agency has doubled in size recently, if you are not making money, something is missing. In this episode of The Innovative Agency, Marcel Pettipas explains how agency owners can start using their data to gain more insights into their business and get ahead of the curve. What you will learn in this episode: How to empower your agency using key data points The best ways to leverage financial reporting data in an agency How to share financial data with team members in an effective way The difference between “revenue” and “agency gross income (AGI)” and why it's important How time tracking can be leveraged to collect more information about your business How to bill customers based on perceived risk and value Bio Marcel Pettipas is the CEO & Co-Founder of Parakeeto, a company dedicated to helping agencies measure and improve their profitability by streamlining their operations and reporting systems, a problem he discovered while running his own agency back in his early 20's. He's also the fractional COO at Gold Front, an award-winning creative agency in San Francisco working with brands like Uber, Slack, Keap, and more. As well as the head strategic coach at SaaS Academy by Dan Martell, the #1 coaching program for B2B SaaS businesses in the world. In his work as a speaker, podcast host, and consultant, specializing in Agency Profitability Optimization, he's helped hundreds of agencies around the world improve profitability and cash flow in their business. Resources: Website: www.parakeeto.com www.parakeeto.com/toolkit www.marcelpetitpas.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-petitpas-20059588/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agencyprofitability Twitter: https://twitter.com/Parakeeto

Sometimes, people look at others in their space as competition. But the most successful leaders of business often recognize that collaboration and networking with others can push their business forward faster than if they were to try to tackle everything independently. In today's episode of The Innovative Agency podcast, my guest is Rob Kischuk, a builder of more than just software products. His adept skills and leadership qualities have allowed him to build companies, teams, partnerships, and relationships. He started Bellwood Labs because he saw the disconnection between a business's problems, its objectives, and the software product. He has been recognized in Atlanta's “Top 40 Under 40” and has helped startups with successful exits. He's also comfortable with the podcasting world too, as host of a podcast about agency owners and leaders. What you will learn in this episode: How a developer and agency leader thinks about building a product and establishing a niche of specialty and competency Learning the benefits of being willing to network, connect, and talk with other agencies to refer work to one another. Tips for working in an agile and scrum mindset to build something and anticipate challenges in the process Product development lifecycle challenges and how they interact with agency ownership Bio Rob Kischuk is a builder of more than just software products - he's a builder of companies and teams, as well as partnerships and relationships. Ever since he learned how to code, Rob's fascination with transforming ideas into action has enabled him to create great software products that empower people to do the work that matters most to them. Throughout Rob's career, he's always strived to be an invested partner - not an order taker. He started Bellwood Labs because he saw the disconnection between a business' problems, its objectives, and the software product. From helping startups like Proficient Systems and Air2Web achieve successful exits, to driving digital transformation for enterprise-level companies like Chick-fil-A, Delta Airlines, PGi, and more, Rob's caring and collaborative approach has been at the center of it all. In addition to serving on the board of the Atlanta Interactive Marketing Association (AIMA), Rob has been recognized time and time again as a key figure in Atlanta's vibrant business community. Rob has been named to Atlanta's Top “40 under 40,” and he has also been a finalist in TIE Atlanta's “Top Up-and-Coming Entrepreneur.” Outside of work, you can find Rob slipping into sporting events, exploring Atlanta's foodie scene, or volunteering at Cumberland Community Church. Rob holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as an MBA from Georgia State University. Resources: Website: https://www.bellwood.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bellwood-labs/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellwoodLabs

Does your agency provide something unique and valuable that only you can offer? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the founder of BitMoto, Matthew Strunk. Matthew, along with cofounder Devin Peterson, created BitMoto to help car dealerships with digital marketing, a function that many dealerships struggle with, especially when BitMoto first started out in 2015. What you will learn in this episode: How Matthew and BitMoto anticipated a niche that was underserved, and how they developed a process to enter into it The value of leveraging your IP to provide incentives to clients. The process of creating, evolving, and improving proprietary software as a revenue generator Advantages of considering worldwide development strategy and the cost-savings that can come with that How the development of a product can allow your business to generate revenue, and also set you up for success in an exit strategy Bio Founder & CEO Matthew Strunk started BitMoto in April 2015 with long-time friend Devin Peterson. Matthew had worked in the automotive space for over a decade, serving as a sales consultant, internet manager, internet director, and sales manager during his career. It became clear that the majority of car dealerships didn't truly understand digital marketing beyond the fact that it was something they had to do. They needed a trusted solution to help them gain market share and be more efficient with their ad spend. And so, BitMoto was born. BitMoto created a software solution to help dealerships create copy and ads for their digital marketing by simply entering their deals and pricing information, and then auto-generating copy for their marketing. Their proprietary software continued to evolve and allowed them to become leaders within the automotive industry niche. Resources: Website:https://www.bitmoto.com/ Website: https://www.strunkmedia.com Website: https://www.autosigma.com LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitmoto/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strunkmediagroup Twitter:https://twitter.com/bitmotomktg Twitter: https://twitter.com/strunkmedia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrunkMediaGroup/

Would a white-label partnership be beneficial to your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the founder of Conduit Digital Media, Tim Burke. Tim helps successful agencies scale through white-label partnerships. During our conversation, he shares how white-label partnerships can help improve the performance and communication of your agency. What you will learn in this episode: The signs that agency owners should look for when deciding if it's the right time to form white-label relationships What an agency owner should expect from a white-label partnership How communication influences the performance of a white-label relationship Should white-label partners be client-facing for your agency What should agencies do to receive client data from white-label partners to prep for meetings Should agencies be transparent with clients about using a white-label partner Bio Tim Burke has run media sales organizations in television, cable, and radio. His last position before starting Traffic Builders/Conduit Digital was as the Director of Sales for Comcast in the New York DMA. Tim worked as a national advertising sales consultant for Jim Doyle & Associates during two different tours and started an advertising sales consultancy, Burke Advertising & Marketing. Tim has consulted with media sales teams and local businesses in over 95 US markets and has industry insight that helps him to maximize the opportunity for his clients. Conduit Digital Media is built on the experience of over thirty years in media management and the education that comes from working hands-on with literally thousands of businesses. Tim brings a client-first marketing mindset and old-school values like hard work and integrity to this new media company. Resources: Website: conduitdigital.us/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timburkesalesconsulting Twitter: https://twitter.com/MediaConsultUSA

Should you be using LinkedIn ads to grow your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the founder of B2Linked, AJ Wilcox. AJ is a LinkedIn ads pro who has managed over $150 million in spend on the platform. During our conversation, he shares his insights on how to create high-converting ad campaigns for your agency. What you will learn in this episode: How to determine if investing in LinkedIn advertising is the right platform for your agency Why LinkedIn is great at developing high-quality client personas Why people spending less time on LinkedIn vs Facebook is better for marketers What is the primary challenge with running authentic LinkedIn ads How to develop more of a connection with your audience as a business account What expectations should agencies have when starting LinkedIn advertising When should an agency prioritize organic vs paid strategy on LinkedIn Why LinkedIn is the easiest network for your content to go viral What types of content should agencies use in LinkedIn ads and why What are the biggest mishaps that people make with their LinkedIn ads Bio AJ Wilcox is a LinkedIn Ads pro who founded B2Linked.com, a LinkedIn Ads-specific ad agency, in 2014. He's managed over $150M in spend on the platform, they're official LinkedIn partners, he's the host of the LinkedIn Ads Show podcast, and has managed 5 of the world's top 10 LinkedIn Ads accounts. He's ginger and a triathlete. He lives in Utah, has 4 adorable kids, and his company car is a wicked-fast go-kart. Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilcoxaj/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/B2Linked The LinkedIn Ads Show Podcast: https://b2linked.com/podcast/

Sharon Toerek, Principal of Toerek Law, focuses her law practice on helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative industries monetize their intellectual capital and manage the legal risks of their work. She joins me on the Progressive Agency podcast to describe how she helps agencies protect their intellectual property. Hear insights about: Why it's vital agencies negotiate good, solid, strong contracts with their clients How Toerek Law counsels agencies on IP protection issues The ever-evolving landscape of data privacy regulations, why they continue to change, and how they impact social media marketing When growing agencies need to take advice on protecting their IP Why intellectual property is the underpinning of everything that an agency does – and the importance of investing in good advice Why Sharon advises that agencies put restrictive covenants in place in their handbooks The difference between non-solicitation and non-compete covenants and their practical applications Hot buttons that agency owners should be aware of, including the double-edged sword of being a specialist agency Intellectual Property Protection A huge pain point for agencies who do new business by pitching for contracts is how to protect their work, concepts, or ideas during a relationship's new business development phase. Sharon Toerek explains how Toerek Law helps agencies understand the legal consequences of the campaigns that they're working on for their clients, including counseling on marketing regulations or highlighting data privacy issues in social media influencer campaigns. The Triangle Approach Sharon explains the importance of protecting your intellectual property (IP) as a triangle. At one point in the triangle, agencies have their content, which is subject to copyright protection; at the next point sits brand, which is a source identifier protectable by trademarks, and at the third point are transactions, or how agencies convey the rights to the work they do for clients. On the show, Sharon shares how her firm helps clients navigate these three issues. Investing in IP Protection Intellectual property is the underpinning of everything that an agency does. It's where they make their revenue, and it's their most critical asset. Sharon shares why it's well worth investing in good advice on how to protect your IP and why you will end up farther along financially if you invest the time and energy and protecting and understanding the principles of IP protection and embedding them in your agency's culture. How to Connect with Sharon Toerek: Website: www.legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek About Sharon Toerek: Sharon Toerek is the Principal of Toerek Law, where she focuses her law practice on helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative industries monetize their intellectual capital and manage the legal risks of their work. Sharon provides proactive, strategic counsel to marketing agencies on legal issues they continually face in their work, including agency-brand contracts, social media, content marketing legal compliance, and trademark and copyright protection. Sharon also created the Legal + Creative Agency Protection System, a legal toolkit for marketing agencies. In 2018, she launched The Innovative Agency, a podcast on innovation for marketing agency leaders.

Could your agency be doing more to retain clients? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the founder of DOT & Company, Taylor McMaster. She and her team help digital marketing agencies keep their clients happy—and keep agency owners focused on what they do best—with full-service client account management (CAM) services. During our conversation, she shares her insights on hiring the best account manager for your agency. What you will learn in this episode: How to gauge how many account managers your agency needs Why hiring an account manager is crucial for client retention and agency growth When is the right time for an agency to hire their first account manager How to set your account management team to be successful in their roles What skills an account manager needs to have that are non-negotiable Bio Taylor McMaster is the founder of DOT & Company where she and her team help digital marketing agencies keep their clients happy—and keep agency owners focused on what they do best—with full-service client account management (CAM) services. Taylor leads a team of Client Account Managers at DOT & Company, training the CAMs to work with different agencies. To date, they have helped dozens of digital marketing agencies free up their time to prioritize the money-makers in their businesses, while the DOT & Co. team ensures their client experience is smooth like butter. She is also the host of The Happy Clients podcast, where she interviews top names in the industry, diving deep into what makes clients happy in the agency world. Resources: Website: www.dotandcompany.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dotandcompany LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylormcmaster/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CompanyDot

Can artificial intelligence (AI) help your agency grow? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the founder of Agency Growth Secrets, Josh Harris. Josh helps companies stop wasting money on customer acquisition using artificial intelligence to optimize marketing campaigns. During our conversation, he shares his insights on how to integrate AI into your agency for growth. What you will learn in this episode: How integrating artificial intelligence (AI) can help your agency's growth What are the common objections to implementing AI and how have they changed in recent years What is the difference between a trend and a fad, and why it's important to learn to spot them in your industry Why efficiency and effectiveness are the most important requirements of technology How can agencies begin to implement AI into their lead generation and sales processes What are the two most important categories that agency owners should prioritize for AI  Bio Josh Harris developed an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age. Growing up in Illinois, he found himself creating businesses to help his neighborhood. He quickly learned that your paycheck doesn't have to be directly tied to a set number of hours worked. Instead, he discovered that money is tied to your personal productivity. This caused the marketing mogul to face the internet head-on. He wanted to be the man in charge and the web would be his path to opportunity. Josh created a marketing and website business that saw some success, but not enough. He desired a better life without the money woes he was so familiar with. After struggling to scale his business, and enacting the help of a mentor, he finally honed in on a successful approach to business growth. His marketing and website company grew rapidly, and Josh soon sought other ventures. In 2014, Josh founded Agency Growth Secrets, an advanced data-targeting company that uses artificial intelligence to optimize marketing campaigns. Through technology and machine learning, AGS allows companies to pinpoint individuals who are ready to purchase. This saves the companies from money wasted on customer acquisition. Resources: Website: https://joshuaharris.co/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/joshuaaharris Twitter:https://twitter.com/joshharrislife LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agency-training/ https://aisales.systems/ai-vsl

How does culture impact the growth of your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the founder of Austin Amplifies, Doug Austin. Doug is a growth consultant who helps agencies of all types and sizes grow and thrive. During our conversation, he shares his insights on the intersection of culture and growth within agencies. What you will learn in this episode: How do growth and culture complement each other within agencies What are the two most important factors in creating a safe work environment How a growth culture helps to avoid losing your “A-Player” employees How agency owners can maintain culture and talent development in a hybrid or virtual working world Why agencies should conduct a third-party audit to help foster growth and culture Bio Doug Austin is the founder of Austin Amplifies - a business growth consultancy that helps agencies of all types and sizes grow and thrive. Doug spent a career in the advertising agency world working for some of the country's best independent shops from NYC to Dallas to Missouri. Today, Doug spends his time coaching agency owners and their teams on how to create a culture of growth and position themselves to win. Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-austin-b978915/ Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Permission-Win-Douglas-V-Austin-ebook/dp/B08ZKN9H21/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3BCNKGKC626ER&keywords=permission+to+win&qid=1649711363&sprefix=permission+to+win+%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-2

Does your agency have recurring revenue? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the founder and CEO of uGurus, Brent Weaver. Brent is on a mission to help 10,000 digital agency owners achieve freedom in business and life by helping them own their market. During our conversation, he shares his insights on building an agency with recurring revenue streams. What you will learn in this episode: Why it's important for agencies to have recurring revenue How financing differs from recurring revenue in agencies How to determine what services are great -- and which ones are not great -- for recurring revenue Why customer development interviews are crucial for determining your pricing What should agency owners consider when developing service packages Why agencies can begin to offer fewer services at higher prices over time  Bio Brent is on a mission to help 10,000 digital agency owners achieve freedom in business and life by helping them own their market. Brent is the founder and CEO of uGurus, a business training, and education company dedicated to this mission. He also hosts one of the leading podcasts in the business niche—The Digital Agency Show and is the author of Get Rich in the Deep End: Commit to Your Niche, Own Your Market, and Audaciously Scale. Resources: Website: ugurus.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ugurusweb Twitter: https://twitter.com/u_gurus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ugurus

Are you searching for more ways to keep money in your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined again by CPA, Chris Hervochon. Chris provides outsourced accounting and tax preparation for small businesses and individuals. During our conversation, he shares insights on avoiding scope creep and updating your agency's pricing model. What you will learn in this episode: Two ways that agency owners can avoid scope creep How after-action reviews can help make sense of time and scope of projects Why a subscription-based pricing model is the best option for agencies What is the difference between scope creep and margin bleed How to address pricing changes during our current market Bio Chris Hervochon, CPA, CVA is the sole proprietor of his CPA firm. Chris Hervochon provides outsourced accounting and tax preparation for small businesses and individuals. Before starting his own CPA firm, Chris spent ten years between forensic accounting and corporate accounting and finance. He has been featured in publications such as the AICPA Certificates Wall of Fame, Accounting Today, AMEX Open Forum, LendingTree, the IAMCEO podcast, the Success Defined podcast, CMS Wire, CEO Blog Nation and WINSAVVY for his industry knowledge and accounting expertise. Resources: Websites: https://www.betterwaycpa.com/recent-press/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterWayCPA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterwaycpa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ChrisHervochon/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/betterwaycpa/_created/

Are you helping your clients achieve revenue growth? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by the Founder of The Pedowitz Group, Jeff Pedowitz. Since 2007, Jeff and his team have helped over 1,400 companies engage customers, go digital, and grow revenue. During our conversation, he shares his unique model and insights for creating a better customer experience. What you will learn in this episode: How the customer journey has changed in recent years What is the loop model, and how can it be used to engage customers How does the funnel differ from the loop model, and why the funnel may not account for multiple buying stages Why marketers should prioritize storytelling and the customer experience What questions agencies should ask their clients that are often missed How can agencies conduct valuable customer research for themselves and clients How buying patterns have changed in the B2B industry, and how it impacts digital marketing What agency owners should do if they want to reconsider revenue growth Bio Jeff Pedowitz grew up working in the restaurant business and learned firsthand the value of good operations. He used to curse at the owners of the Greek diner for making him scrape out ketchup bottles, but it taught him the value of a dollar – and not to waste it. When his parents bought him a Commodore 64, he taught himself how to program and began a life-long love affair with software and technology. Jeff's parents were teachers who later transitioned into sales for World Book/Childcraft. They took him to their trade shows and corporate events, and he listened to Zig Zigler and Dennis Waitley in the car on the family's 8-track cassette. All those years, growing up in and around businesses instilled a passion for business. Now, every day he gets to live his passion, traveling the world to teach companies how to build better marketing organizations and drive repeatable, predictable, and scalable revenue. Jeff started The Pedowitz Group in 2007 and has been blessed with an amazing team that he calls family. Together, they have helped over 1,400 companies engage customers, go digital, and grow revenue. Resources: Website: pedowitzgroup.com Revenue Marketing Basics - https://rmu.pedowitzgroup.com/p/revenue-marketing-basics LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeffpedowitz Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffPedowitz

How can you continue to grow your agency after the pandemic? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by Tim Kilroy. He has helped over 100 agencies drive dramatic growth results — like growing 8x in a year, or by 3x in 90 days. During our conversation, Tim discusses the challenges that agency owners are facing today and strategies for growth in all stages. What you will learn in this episode: Why growing and starting an agency was easier during the pandemic and how things have recently changed Why Tim believes that return on ad spend (ROAS) is a ridiculous metric What are inexperienced marketers and agency owners missing, and what insights do they need to bring to the table How agency work has transitioned from more technical work to more marketing and strategy work What are the differences in the growth strategy for emerging agencies vs established agencies What is the concept of “return of understanding” and why it's important for emerging agencies to niche down Why bigger agencies should prioritize learning how to create engaging management structures Why agency leaders should plan for their own exit, even if they don't plan on selling  Bio “I help digital agencies (and digital agency owners) generate more revenue, more profit & more happiness without working a million hours, being ‘sales-y' or doing anything else gross,” Tim says of his business strategy. Tim has worked with over 100 agencies to help them solve problems ranging from “How do I get my 1st client?” to “How do we maximize our exit value?” Tim also focuses on driving dramatic growth by collaborating with agency owners and management teams. He has helped his clients do amazing things – like grow 8x in a year, or by 3x in 90 days. In addition, Tim has helped agencies create account management structures, and coached them through various situations, such as a founder moving to another opportunity. Resources: Websites: The Kilroy Report Podcast: https://www.thekilroyreport.com/ Consulting Offers: https://timkilroy.com/agency-growth-consulting/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agencygrowthcoach Twitter: https://twitter.com/timkilroy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timkilroy/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/agencygrowthcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timkilroy_agencygrowth/

Have systems and processes been put on the backburner in your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by entrepreneur and self-proclaimed process nerd, Gray MacKenzie. In only nine years he's helped more than 2,400 digital agencies build more productive and profitable agency teams. During our conversation, Gray shares the most common operational issues, and how to begin implementing a more efficient project management framework. What you will learn in this episode: The most commonly encountered agency operational issues Why agencies need systems to accurately determine profitability What internal agency metrics do clients frequently ask for, and why a client would typically ask for agency metrics How agencies can improve their project management framework Why it's more efficient to build your processes within your project management tool How systems and processes can impact agency ROI and internal retention Where agencies should begin with selecting and implementing a project management tool  Bio Gray MacKenzie from ZenPilot is a bona fide process nerd who has gone under the hood with 2400+ digital agencies over the past 9 years in search of the best way to build and lead healthier, more productive, and more profitable agency teams. Resources: Website: https://www.zenpilot.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZenPilotHQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sgraymackenzie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graymackenzie How to Choose the Best Project Management Tool for Your Agency

Are you struggling to scale and sell in your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by CEO, Founder, and Author, Daniel Englander. He helps marketing agencies and B2B service companies accelerate their business growth. During our conversation, Daniel discusses the struggles that agencies face in their business development, as well as the most important tactics for building relationships and accelerating growth. What you will learn in this episode: Why it's important to prioritize building trust with connections and targets The most significant missed opportunity for business development in agencies How to be more proactive with relationship mapping in your agency Why reengagement over longer periods of time is crucial for winning clients How thought leadership interacts with, and aids in, business development and sales Why outbound marketing is the best option if you have limited time How writing and publishing a book can help to sell your professional services easier How to integrate your book to accelerate business growth for your agency Bio Dan Englander is the CEO and Founder of Sales Schema, a fractional new business team for marketing agencies and B2B service companies, and he hosts The Digital Agency Growth Podcast. He's the author of Relationship Sales At Scale and Mastering Account. Resources: Dan's Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XRD71P3 Website: https://workwith.salesschema.com/rsas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danenglander/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/sales-schema

Is your agency charging for more than just tangible deliverables? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, we are joined by Brand Strategist and Business Growth Accelerator, Karley Cunningham. She takes businesses from overcrowded, competitive spaces out into blue ocean territory where they can confidently stand out and thrive as brand leaders in their sector. During our conversation, Karley discusses the challenges that come from selling services and the benefits of collaborating on strategy. What you will learn in this episode: Why agencies are hesitant to charge separately for strategy How being seen solely as a creative can limit your ability to be seen as a strategic thinker How to help clients see the value in the process instead of just the deliverables What are the five value points that you explain to clients during the sales process How to shift your mindset into being brave enough to propose strategy as a stand-alone service What is the difference between a consultation and a strategy session Why working in stages or phases is beneficial to both the client and agency How to transition from work-for-hire to fee-for-strategy in your agency  Bio Having built three successful businesses, Karley knows what it takes to start, develop and lead a company that delivers results. Her entrepreneurial success story is featured in the awarded book, The Widest Net by Pamela Slim. In addition, she's a sought-after mentor and speaker for national and international business organizations and the host of The Made Possible podcast. Believing deeply in the practice of givers gain, she is well-known and networked and rarely goes a day without making a referral or connection. As a former pro athlete, Karley is performance-driven. An avid mountain athlete, she is a two-time finisher of the BC Bike Race, a seven-day, 325 km mountain bike stage race, and is always looking out for her next trail running adventure. When not focusing on the business or expanding her network, she can be found somewhere in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest with her wife and dog in their 4x4. Resources: Website: www.bigboldbrand.com Free Brand Audit & Guide: https://www.bigboldbrand.com/surefireaudit/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karleycunningham/

Are you hoping things will change in your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, guest Blake Mahon is the founder of media and creative powerhouse, Triarc. He helps leaders find dynamic solutions for rapid and sustainable growth. During our conversation, he shares how he developed core systems and client packages that allow his agency to continue on a path of rapid growth. What you will learn in this episode: Why it's important for the core of your systems and processes to be consistent throughout your agency When you should begin to include team members in new frameworks and systems How to build packages and products to meet individual client needs What are the advantages and disadvantages of working in yearly contracts Where to begin when pivoting and adapting to economic changes Why it's becoming more common for agencies to collaborate for the common good of a mutual client Bio Rapid and sustainable growth is Blake Mahon's true passion. Getting dynamic solutions into the hands of leaders is his calling. Empowering a team to do the above provides him with sustained gratification. As the founder of Triarc, a media & creative powerhouse, Blake has the unique privilege to indulge in all of the above. Triarc is a nimble and fast-paced startup that is set to disrupt the traditional agency model. Resources: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thinktriarc  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18260874/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinktriarc 

Have you considered exiting your agency recently? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, guest Drew McLellan has been in the advertising industry for over 30 years. Today, he advises hundreds of small to mid-sized agencies on how to grow their agency and their profitability. During our conversation, he shares the recent challenges agency owners have faced and how to prepare for a successful succession. What you will learn in this episode: What are some of the biggest challenges that agency leaders are currently facing Why agencies have lost some of their largest clients over the last year How offering strategy and insights help differentiate agencies from others How outside buyers are taking advantage of agency owners experiencing fatigue How to recognize the predictors and traits of internal employees that make good candidates for buying the agency How agency owners can prepare to exit their agency and make the transition easier Why agency owners should separate their IP from the agency during an exit Bio For 30+ years, Drew McLellan has been in the advertising industry. He started his career at Y&R, worked in boutique-sized agencies, and then started his own (which he still owns and runs) agency in 1995. Additionally, Drew owns and leads the Agency Management Institute, which advises hundreds of small to mid-sized agencies on how to grow their agency and their profitability through agency owner peer groups, consulting, coaching, workshops, and more. Resources: Email: drew@agencymanagementinstitute.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewmclellan/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agencymanagementinstitute  https://www.facebook.com/McLellanMarketing   Twitter: https://twitter.com/drewmclellan/ 

Are you prepared to take your agency to the next level? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, guest Jason Swenk discusses scaling your agency from the first stage to 8 figures. Jason is a highly sought-after agency advisor and the host of the Smart Agency Masterclass podcast. During our conversation, he shares his expertise on acting as the true CEO of your agency, productizing solutions, and defining your niche. What you will learn in this episode: What is the biggest challenge for entrepreneurs in the first stage of growing an agency How narrowing your focus gives a greater opportunity to increase prices and efficiency Why client expectations and value of services should be accounted for in pricing How replicable processes and expertise are the keys to building an agency to exit How to transition from an agency owner to acting as a true CEO Why do many entrepreneurs often experience a sense of depression when transitioning to CEO How to productize solutions for clients in your agency, and why it's important to allocate a separate team and resources for your product Bio Jason has literally written the book for growing an agency from nothing to two 8 figure agencies. He is an in-demand advisor to agencies, helping them scale by showing them an 8 system framework that worked for growing his agency, working with brands like AT&T, Hitachi, and Lotus Cars, and eventually lead to selling his agency. Jason currently hosts the Smart Agency Master Class Podcast, the #1 Digital Marketing Agency Owner podcast for sharing the strategies and stories from real agency owners of what is working today in the agency world, and how they got to where they are now. Resources: Website: https://jasonswenk.com/ Podcast: http://smartagencymasterclass.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jasonswenk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jswenk Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonswenk Medium: https://medium.com/@jswenk/

How can research help generate more revenue for your agency? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, guest Susan Baier discusses three unique ways to utilize research to increase your ROI. Susan is a Marketing Strategist & Researcher at Audience Audit. During our conversation, she shares her thoughts on the benefits of conducting research for your agency - not just your clients. What you will learn in this episode: How agencies can leverage research for revenue generation What are the benefits of conducting research for agencies rather than clients How thought leadership impacts the return on investment (ROI) for agencies What three things thought leaders need to do, and how does research aid these efforts Why research reduces the amount of outbound selling needed How to utilize research to identify your niche and attract ideal clients How to monetize your agency research, and create additional revenue opportunities Why agencies should collaborate with other agencies with the same audience Bio Susan Baier is an Audience and Marketing Strategist and Researcher of Audience Audit (www.audienceaudit.com). Susan is sought after by marketing agencies and their clients for her attitudinal segmentation research supporting thought leadership and marketing. Resources: Website: audienceaudit.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWGXg7e0se0MO4L8bKhCfiw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AudienceAudit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/audience-audit-inc

When you think of inventory for your firm, what comes to mind? Or maybe more importantly, what doesn't come to mind? The truth is that most agencies have a storehouse of intellectual firepower and aren't taking advantage of the options and opportunities to leverage their intellectual property. In this solocast episode, Sharon discusses the importance of thinking about and monetizing intellectual property, and how agency owners can use various methods to protect their IP. What you will learn in this episode: What options and opportunities do you have to leverage intellectual property What are four common scenarios that have IP consequences in agencies What is the gold standard for collecting your intellectual property How independent agreements and licenses allow you to leverage intellectual property How agencies monetize IP beyond the scope of client deliverables What steps can you take to find and protect your IP Bio Sharon Toerek is Principal of Toerek Law, where she focuses her law practice on helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative industries monetize their intellectual capital, and manage the legal risks of their work. Sharon provides proactive, strategic counsel to marketing agencies on legal issues they face continually in their work, including agency-brand contracts, social media, content marketing legal compliance, and trademark and copyright protection. Sharon also created the Legal + Creative Agency Protection System, a subscription-based legal toolkit for marketing agencies. In 2018, Sharon launched The Innovative Agency, a podcast on innovation for marketing agency leaders. Resources: Website: legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek

To our host and founder, Sharon Toerek, reaching over 150 episodes of The Innovative Agency podcast is as much about taking stock of what we've learned from our terrific guests as it is about planning for the content we'll continue to share on the show. In this quick and first-ever solo episode, Sharon discusses what she has learned over the past three years through her interviews with hundreds of amazing guests. Her biggest takeaway? Innovation impacts all agencies, and just about every agency has a story to prove it. Sharon also talks about the innovation and stories she'll continue to explore in future podcast episodes. What you will learn in this episode: How innovation can impact every agency's ability to better its fortunes Why riches in agencies are not in time or production capacity How the ability to use innovation to pivot can help you scale or even save your business What you can expect from the podcast in upcoming episodes Bio Sharon Toerek is Principal of Toerek Law, where she focuses her law practice on helping professionals in the advertising, marketing, and creative industries monetize their intellectual capital, and manage the legal risks of their work. Sharon provides proactive, strategic counsel to marketing agencies on legal issues they face continually in their work, including agency-brand contracts, social media, content marketing legal compliance, and trademark and copyright protection. Sharon also created the Legal + Creative Agency Protection System, a subscription-based legal toolkit for marketing agencies. In 2018, Sharon launched The Innovative Agency, a podcast on innovation for marketing agency leaders. Resources: Website: legalandcreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonToerek

Wondering how big agencies like VaynerX keep up the pace while rapidly growing? In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, guest Marc Yudkin discusses how to maintain structure and process without slowing down. He is the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel of VaynerX. During our conversation, Marc shares thoughts on recruitment/retainment challenges, and key skill sets needed to be a successful leader. What you will learn in this episode: How to maintain structure and operations while experiencing rapid growth Why trusting your gut is critical in being a successful agency leader What the #1 problem is in the agency world right now How well-known agencies like VaynerX are handling talent recruitment and retainment challenges What key skillset is needed by managers looking to focus on employee retention How to help employees of all levels ideate and contribute creatively What visionary leaders need to do to understand operations How fear impacts the success of your agency Bio Marc Yudkin is currently the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel of VaynerX, LLC - the parent company of various international digital marketing and advertising businesses including VaynerMedia, The Gallery Media Group, VaynerProductions, and Tracer Labs, LLC. As Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel for all of these businesses, Marc is responsible for all of the Company's global operations, acquisitions, employee relations issues, and other matters relating to the overall operation of a 900-person global agency. Marc also ensures that services provided adhere to the many regulations and guidelines promulgated by governmental authorities and other self-regulatory bodies. In January of 2020, Marc received an Icon Award as one of the top 100 US Corporate Counsels. He has been a guest lecturer at New York Law School and Pace University School of Law and previously presented at the Annual Meeting of the New York State Bar Association. Marc was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2020 after serving as the Company's General Counsel for the previous eight years. Prior to becoming General Counsel of VaynerX, Marc was at Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti, LLP where he was selected by his peers as a New Jersey Super Lawyer for four straight years. His practice focused on representing middle-market companies on a wide scope of advertising, intellectual property, and transactional matters, including; private equity and venture capital financing, mergers and acquisitions, and joint venture arrangements. He earned his J.D from Emory University School of Law and his B.A. from the State University of New York at Binghamton where he double majored in Philosophy, Politics, and Law and Economics. Marc currently resides in New Jersey and is admitted to practice law in the States of New York, New Jersey, and Georgia. Resources: Website: https://vaynerx.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-yudkin-81400670/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vaynermedia/people/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VaynerMedia/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vaynermedia

Are you worried about building a legacy for your family with your marketing agency? If so, working with your adult children may be the answer! In this episode of the Innovative Agency podcast, guest Sophie Gibson shares that she's breathing easier since her children have joined her agency. She is the founder, CEO, and force behind VIVO. During our conversation, Sophie covers the benefits and struggles of working with your children, and if your kids really need the same structure as other employees. What you will learn in this episode: How Sophie started her agency when she had a 5-week old newborn How has the integration of personal and professional lives changed in recent years Why does the time and place we are living impact the way we experience situations What has recently caused us to become more culturally conscious How Sophie has seen budgets change for culturally diverse marketing campaigns What challenges and benefits stem from having adult children in your business Why do adult children need the same processes and systems as other employees Bio Pioneer in the Digital World and respected expert in digital communications. Sophie Gibson is the Founder and President of VIVO360, Inc. and the driving force behind the Digital Creative Agency she formed 20 years ago. Today, VIVO360 continues to deliver exceptional digital, marketing and technology solutions to some of the World's most influential brands, including; Voya Financial, Delta Air Lines, Turner Broadcasting, The City of Atlanta, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Agency attracts and inspires like-minded professionals, who are knowledgeable and innovative achievers and make VIVO360 a force to reckon with in the world of digital communications. Sophie and her team focus on understanding their clients' businesses and the user experience of clients' customers, resulting in more web traffic, more leads, more business, more revenue, and greater overall positive global impact for our clients. Sophie's passion professionally is meeting and learning from extraordinary leaders around the world and sharing innovative ideas on the disruptive forces reshaping the global economy and helping her clients to adapt to changing conditions that create long-term value for the companies and organizations they lead. Sophie is also the founder, host and moderator of Reach Your Higher Self, a truly interactive organization aimed at exploring and inspiring conversations about a myriad of spiritual teachings and principles. In addition, she spearheads Show You Care; a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and building awareness about sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse. Resources: Website: www.vivotheagency.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophiegibson Facebook: facebook.com/vivotheagency Twitter: twitter.com/vivotheagency Email: Sophie.Gibson@vivo360inc.com Phone: 404-784-4688

Delivering an effective creative product can be a moving target, especially considering how quickly things change in the fast-paced world of marketing and advertising. After a lot of talk about strategy and metrics on this podcast, we're circling back to the bread and butter of the industry—the creative product. I talk with Ryan Gray, Partner and Co-Founder at Beckert, about how the creative product has evolved, the trends of the current moment, and how to improve campaign development for the future. We discuss: How micro creatives address common client complaints Tips for advising clients on the right mix of channels The right way to set client expectations The Apple update and other trends in ad buying and creative development To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Over the last few years, podcast listenership has exploded. As a result, many companies are adopting this medium to boost their content marketing efforts.  But with more people entering the podcast game, it's becoming harder and harder to gain traction.  So, how do you develop a podcast that resonates from the start and rises above the noise?  Harry Morton , CEO of Lower Street Media , joins the show to share tips and tricks for crafting a compelling podcast format and strategies for standing out in a crowded marketplace.  We discuss: - How the podcasting world has changed over the last few years - How to create a podcast that resonates and measure its success - Strategies for monetizing your podcast - Predictions for the future  Mentioned during the podcast: - PodcastingwithHarry.com  -Tweet at Harry: @podcastharry   To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or on our website . Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Creativity should be more than an afterthought for an agency looking to produce differentiated ideas. And yet, many just don't make the time for it.   Agencies will struggle with time constraints or thinking from a place of scarcity. The way to be better? Break the bad habits.   In this episode, I speak with Cami Travis-Groves, Transformational Coach, National Speaker, Good Juju Spreader at Coach Cami, about how agencies can help creativity flourish and how the brain will fight change every step of the way.  We discuss: - Where agencies struggle in their pursuit of creativity & how to get started - Removing obstacles to let creativity grow - Reaching out to your team to see what inspires them & helping them on their journey  To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Having the hard conversation between agency and client around what they collectively want success to look like isn't the simplest task — and it's exactly why the conversation isn't had more often. Sometimes what the client wants just isn't realistic. In this episode, I speak with Gogi Gupta, Founder at Gupta Media, about these hard conversations and why avoidance is setting unrealistic expectations on both sides. We discuss: - Why siloing causes disconnect between agency & client - Why hard conversations aren't occurring - Guiding the client journey w/ education - Advice for agencies looking to start these hard conversations To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Every once in a while, you need to take up a broom and sweep out the corners. All those assets you've been creating that you thought were customer-specific or agency-specific? You can turn those into products to help others solve the same problems. In this episode, I speak with John Readman, Founder and CEO at Modo25, Founder and Product Owner at Ask BOSCO, a SaaS product he created to actually avoid having a massive agency and to have a reliable revenue stream instead. We discuss: - Creating recurring revenue and sharing expertise - Tapping into your team's creative product ideas - How productizing your skills raises the value of your agency - Why the ideal software is just like Mailchimp - Overcoming your fears about software developers To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

We're at the cusp of working with some of the most amazing innovations that humanity has ever seen. If you haven't yet entered the dynamic conversation about the intersection between humans and technology, you are missing opportunities to innovate. Donna Loughlin, PR & Corporate Communications at LMGPR and host of Before It Happened, joins the show to trace the human thread that runs through the stories that we agencies tell for our brands and clients. Join us as we discuss: - Working with emerging market innovators and futurists - Differentiating the human story in technological advancements - Asking what you do and how you do it better - Why the human touch will define the next generation of messaging in tech To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

New business gets a lot of attention. In most agencies, the champagne starts flowing when you close a new deal. But in the process of focusing your resources on new clients, are you overlooking big opportunities for growth that are right in your backyard? Stacey Singer, Client Retention and Growth Specialist at Stacey Singer Consulting, joins the show to discuss organic growth, an easier and more profitable way to expand your revenue. We discuss: - What's standing in the way of organic growth - Creating a culture that prioritizes the client experience - The top things agencies do that clients hate - Building an internal growth plan for each existing client To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Could your next client be another agency?  In this episode, Tyler Horsley, Founder and CEO at Nuclear Networking, joins the show to break down the topic of partnerships and strategic alliances with other marketing service providers. Plus, he shares his perspective on the dynamic M&A market within the agency world.  We discuss:  - The pros and cons of onboarding services vs outsourcing  - How to manage the relationship with strategic partners  - Navigating the handoff process to a strategic partner  - What's going on with mergers and acquisitions in the agency world  Email Tyler if you're looking for an SEO or digital advertising partner.  To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website.  Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

What does your client want? It's the question at the crux of what marketing and advertising is all about. In past episodes, we've answered that question from the perspective of marketing agencies and their advisors, but in this episode, we're going to hear the perspective of an actual client. RJon Robins, CEO & Founder at How to Manage a Small Law Firm, joins me to share insights into the client-marketing agency relationship and what he thinks agencies should do to gain more business and retain more clients. We discuss: - How the initial client-marketer discussion can go wrong - Why marketing agencies need to have a fully developed business plan - Why leading with fear will torpedo your agency - How to communicate with clients To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website.  Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Successful marketing hinges on the principle of asking enough questions and asking the right questions. Think about it. We can all remember marketing campaigns that went sideways because the wrong questions were asked, and as a result, not enough relevant information was available to get it right Matt Seltzer, Market Researcher and Founder of S2 Research, is an expert at asking the right questions, and in this episode, he offers his insights on the topic. We discuss: - The importance of research in marketing - How to move past roadblocks - How agencies and clients evaluate ROI - How agencies can level up their research game Resources mentioned during the podcast: - The Creative Catalyst: How to Create Better Marketing By Asking (And Answering) Better Marketing Questions - Reach out to Matt at Matt@s2research.com To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Do you remember when running an agency was fun? The emergence of digital tools has led to a focus on measurement and metrics, but it has come at the expense of process innovation and creativity—and that, ultimately, has led to a lot of uninspired work. It's time to rediscover the fun of the creative process. Paul Charney, Founder and CEO at Funworks, joins the show to talk about using fun to help you achieve your agency's goals—both creative and financial—and spark new ways of achieving business results for your clients. We discuss: - How the dawn of digital stripped the fun out of the advertising process - How improv comedy fundamentals can shake up the creative process - Why focusing on the voice of the customer means you no longer have to guess what's inside your client's head - How to bring joy back into the creative process Reach out to Paul: paul@howfunworks.com To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

All executives have an online presence, and that presence matters. It matters to the individual, but it also matters with respect to the reputation of the business—because in a digital world, every individual who works for a company represents that brand. Bant Breen, Founder & Chairman at Qnary, explains how agencies can empower their clients to embrace reputation management as an important pillar of overall brand strategy. We also discuss: - Why reputation management is often not given a seat at the table - How agencies should advise their clients on executive reputation management - When to focus on reputation management vs brand management - The evolution of LinkedIn as a reputation management tool To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Content marketing has been around since the original Michelin Guide was created by a tire company over a century ago to get more people to drive to restaurants. The concept behind content marketing has not changed. What has changed is it has gotten harder and harder to do it well and to break through the noise. Brad Smith, Founder & CEO of Codeless Interactive and CEO at Wordable, joins the show to explain what's going on in the world of content marketing and what your marketing agency needs to know to do it well. We discuss: - The larger content marketing trends taking place - The stair step approach to content marketing - How to decide on the right mix of content - The best way to use content platforms - How to prepare clients for 2022 and beyond To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Content is king. Accordingly, more and more brands are collaborating with micro influencers to create the sheer amount of content that is needed to gain traction today. But working with micro influencers can be complicated. In order to keep the machine in motion, an agency needs to wear many hats and stay in touch with many individuals. In this episode, David Morneau , Managing Partner and Co-Founder at inBeat Agency , digs into the details—the what, the why, and the how—of micro influencer marketing. We discuss: - The different categories of influencers - The content creation process - Managing disputes over content ownership - Safeguarding campaigns against negative associations To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

Programmatic advertising: Every agency has heard of it. You might have even included it in a recommendation set for clients. However, not many agencies are fluent in it. In this episode, we take some of the mystery out of this high-tech digital marketing solution. Our guide, Lacie Edgeman, Partner at PrograMetrix, explains what programmatic advertising is and why the need to be in the digital space has never been greater. We discuss: - Misconceptions agencies have about programmatic advertising - Tips for how agencies should discuss it with clients - What you need in your Ad Tech stack - Picking a good partner for programmatic solutions Resources mentioned during the podcast: - eBook: Programmatic Agency Partnership Overview  To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

When two people are typing in the same keyword, how do you identify which one is statistically more likely to become a paying customer for your clients? That's the big question Jordan Bell, Founder and Chief Strategist at Agency Bell , wanted to answer. The answer lies in teaching the system to find things—behavioral cues within months of online behavior data—that we can't see. That's where artificial intelligence and machine learning come in. Far from something to be feared, they represent the future of marketing services. In this episode, we discuss: - Embracing technology, data pipelines, and automation in legal marketing - Managing the privacy implications of data within the system - Best practices for agencies looking to leverage AI Resources we mentioned during the podcast: - MAICON - Marketing Artificial Intelligence Conference - Contact Jordan at jordan@agencybell.com To hear more from Innovative Agency owners, listen to The Innovative Agency podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for The Innovative Agency in your favorite podcast player.

This week, we are pleased to have Jennifer Borislow, the founding principal of Borislow Insurance in Massachusetts. She is an author, industry thought leader and past president of the Million Dollar Round Table.   Listen is as Jennifer shares an incredible story of how she learned the value of disability income insurance, and how it changed her practice forever. Don't miss this insightful episode! Get full show notes here: http://bit.ly/1kMkqZQ